SPL Volume 2 Analog Volume Controller

The Volume Controller Volume 2 serves as a system-independent analog volume regulator in all areas of audio processing and playback, including

• Stereo music production
• Movie and video post production, video computer games production
• Demanding hi-fidelity applications

Complementing the fully equipped SPL Stereo Monitoring Controller (MTC 2381), the Volume 2 focuses exclusively on the highest possible quality in active volume control. Users who do not need additional monitoring functionality provided by the MTC 2381 will find the Volume 2 an cost-effective solution without compromises. The Volume 2‘s design is based on active switching to avoid nonlinear frequency response introduced by impedance changes with passive designs when changing levels.

Who needs analog level control? Simply put—most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) users. A majority of D/A converters and sound cards provide nothing in the way of analog level monitoring control, and this means the necessity of varying signal levels at the converter outputs. The result is a lowered bit rate in the monitoring signal, which can lead to commensurate loss of audio quality. A further, very interesting application area is in the construction of a straight, audiophile-quality stereo playback chain, where the Volume 2 is situated between the playback machine and either power amp and speakers or simply active speaker system. In such cases, the playback machine must offer analog outputs. This provides for minimal financial and electronic efforts through the most direct possible playback path.

Additional Reasons for employing the Volume 2

• High quality balancing stages with extremely good common mode rejection (minimize interferences and disturbances in the signal paths)
• The mute switch allows for very fast reaction times in cases where loud speakers or ears should be protected (for example, with computer crashes)
• Users of analog summing without monitoring facilities can cost effectively improve their systems

Special Features

The Volume 2 is built only with analog circuitry and performance, and its high quality parts in sophisticated circuitry design are prerequisites to superior audio quality:

• High end volume potentiometer and illuminated mute switch from ALPS; the potentiometer controls signals directly (without VCA or DAC circuitry)
• Balanced XLR in- and outputs
• A high quality power supply with toroidal transformer
• Massive, 45 mm diameter aluminum knobs ensure consistent, refined handling
• The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80 mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows for flexible desktop positioning near or under a computer monitor or generally saving space in positioning